Turtle Trafficker Sentenced to Prison

Jesse James Freeman, of Franklinville, North Carolina, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of post-release supervision for his role in the illegal collection of at least 722 eastern box turtles, 122 spotted turtles, and three wood turtles from the wilds of North Carolina.  The judge also ordered the defendant to pay a $25,000 fine to the Lacey Act Reward Fund and prohibited him from owning wild-caught wildlife, and any wildlife, without documentation of origin during the supervisory period.

DOJ’s Press Release:  North Carolina Turtle Supplier Sentenced to Prison